December 8,2008 A Wonderful Thanksgiving

Matthew had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. He traveled to South Carolina to visit uncle Victor, were he enjoyed a wonderful Christmas show at the Alabama Theatre, and was selected as the guest of honor during the children's interactive portion of the holiday show. Matthew looked so handsome on the stage, and as a family we felt so blessed to see him standing there. He ate and was stuffed more than the Turkey! We are very happy to report that Matthew is doing well on the new treatment and we ask for your continued prayers. Aunt Vanessa is awaiting pictures from Thanksgiving to put on the blog for every one's enjoyment.

BACK AT CHILDREN FRIDAY NOV.14,2008

Matthew ended up back at Children's on Friday. He began to experience seizures and wasn't able to communicate. Matthew was released Saturday evening and remains at home. Doctors are working to regulate the seizure activity by finding the appropriate medication levels. We are pleased that Matthew will begin an experimental study hopefully as soon as Monday morning. Doctors will be conducting an MRI on Monday and should have results later in the week. We pray that the results would show little to no activity and no growth. We thank everyone for your continued prayer, as the road ahead poses a slight challenge for all involved.

Better Late Than Never ( A Day With The Redskins)

MR. SANTANA MOSS, words could never describe the gratitude we feel to you, and the REDSKIN organization for making our sweet boys dream come true!

Matthew had the time of his life at Redskins Stadium. He asked Aunt Vanessa to stop being a slacker and put some pics on his blog for everyone to see. We would like to take this time to again Thank Grandma Nadine and Jennifer for spending the day with us to share in our Joy, and for making this special day possible. We would also like to THANK CATHY & WALTER DAVIS and the LAKE JACKSON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT for helping to make this day so very special for Matthew.

Recovering Well

Matthew spent another day at Children's and enjoyed a day of playing games with uncle Mark and Mike. He was communicating the best he can while under the influence Lol. MRI results have influence doctors to move in a different direction with his treatment. We are praying that Matthew be excepted into a experimental study as early as next week. We ask everyone for your continued prayer and thank you for always keeping him in your thoughts. Matthew will return home tomorrow.

October 28, 2008 (Still at Children's)

Matthew remains at Children's Hospital tonight . Thanks to every one's prayers, Matthew has finally stopped seizing. Doctors are still working on determining the cause of the seizures and hope that MRI results will be in helpful in making that determination. We continue to pray that Matthew's medical team are able to keep the seizures from reoccurring. We thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

October 27, 2008 (Matthew in the Hospital)

Matthew began having seizures on Saturday night. He was transported to Children's Hospital in D.C. were he remains. Matthew continues having mini seizures and doctors are trying to get them to stop. We ask that everyone keep Matthew in your prayers.

Update

Matthew has recovered well from his bout of pneumonia. He is home and ready to begin home schooling, speech therapy, and physical therapy, once all schedules can be worked out. He took two diagnostic tests today, one for physical therapy and one for occupational therapy. He really impressed the occupational therapy tester, who said he scored higher on the written test than anyone in his age group had ever tested! He continues to overachieve. In the meantime, he is brushing up on his reading, writing, and math skills, and he is fired up to start school again.

Matthew met recently with his doctors, who assessed his progress. They have decided to shift his treatment regimen from the chemotherapy infusions, which have been effective at stabilizing his condition, halting the spread of the existing tumors, and preventing any new growth, to a new Phase 1 drug that they hope will more effectively fight and possibly shrink the tumors.

In August, Matthew was invited to watch a Redskins preseason game in Aerojet's private box. He met all the Redskins, the Redskinettes (he was smiling ear to ear!), Coach Jim Zorn, and Team Owner Dan Snyder. Santana Moss gave Matthew his game gloves (Matthew said "they were sweaty"), and the entire team signed a game ball for him. He had a great time and would like to thank all of the Redskins, the Redskinettes, Mr. Zorn, and Mr. Snyder, and especially Nadine Simpson, who arranged this wonderful outing. Thank you all for making this little boy so happy.

July 31,2008 Matthew Comes Home

Matthew was released from the hospital today and is feeling better. Matthew came home in time to celebrate Aunt Vanessa's Birthday. He was very happy to eat lots of food and cupcakes in order to help celebrate. Matthew is very glad to be home and plans to spent the next few days lounging around and spending time with Aunt Gidget and the family.

July 29, 2008 Still in the Hospital

Matthew remains in the hospital and may need to stay a few more days. He is making progress with his breathing, but remains on constant oxygen. We are truly grateful for every one's love and prayers!

July 25, 2007 (Back in the Hospital)

Unfortunately Matthew's visit to Children's on Thursday resulted in him being admitted. Matthew was diagnosed with Pneumonia and is currently undergoing treatment. He is scheduled to remain in the hospital until at least Sunday depending on his progress. Matthew was very excited to receive a special delivery from Daryl Green, a signed football wishing Matthew a speedy recovery. A while later Matthew received a personal phone call from Daryl Green himself!!!!! Matthew is planning to watch Daryl be inducted into the Hall of Fame and hopes to meet him some day soon.

Matthew would like to extend his gratitude to Mr. Daryl Green for taking the time out of his busy Hall of Fame weekend to show such Love and Support toward his Fight.

Tom Costis (Dad) will always be grateful to you for making Matthew feel like the truly special star he is.

Thank you for making Tom's Day Too.

July 23, 2008 (Latest News)

After recovering from a week at Williamsburg, Matthew will visit Children's Hospital tomorrow. He is actually looking forward to visiting his medical team and consult his doctor about his weight and breathing. Matthew has gained a great deal of weight and is having a little trouble with heavy breathing. We are hoping that doctors can provide a solution. Matthew is looking forward toward a busy weekend thanks to Cathy Davis, we are truly hoping that all news is good tomorrow and that he will be able to enjoy all that has been prepared for him.

I would like to extend my deepest apologies to Nadine Simpson for getting her name incorrect on the blog. Nadine is responsible for getting Matthew his Redskins package, including Box seat game tickets, a plaque for autographs, field passes, an authentically certified Helmet signed by Santana Moss and a Wheaties Box from a former Superbowl. We are truly grateful for your love and support and wanted to be sure to correct the error.

July 15, 2008 Giving Back

Matthew is recovering from a very eventful week. Matthew spent Saturday at the Lake Jackson Fire House. He was so very happy with everyone being there to show their love and support. Matthew was also very surprised when he was presented with Box Seat Tickets to a Redskins game coming up in August. Matthew will be receiving the star treatment, as he has received field passes, and a plaque in which the Redskins will autograph on game day, and a miniature helmet autographed by Santana Moss with a certificate of Authenticity. We would like to Thank Jenine for her generosity in giving Matthew this special gift. We would also like to Thank Cathy and Walter Davis for the Santana Moss Jersey that Matthew will be wearing on game day.
As Priscilla mentioned the day of the benefit, we are truly grateful to everyone involved in making this event a tremendous success and for showing your love and support for Matthew. We are truly blessed and know that the Lord's Angel surround us.

Matthew spent Sunday at Church and spent the day recovering from Saturday.

Matthew Spent Monday (yesterday) at the Leesburg Circuit Court in order to support Will Hall a member of our Quest Church family. Will had committed some crimes before finding the Lord and was facing serious punishment. Matthew and the entire family have been blessed to witness god's grace and how the Lord can transform a person by watching Will. He has loved and supported Matthew by attending his fundraisers, organizing a collection of funds for Matthew at work and by leading the road crew at church in order to make services possible. To Show his love for Will Matthew decided to write a letter to the Judge asking for Mercy. Matthew took the time to write the letter on his own and asked his dad for help with proofing it. We were very proud of Matthew for taking this opportunity to give back. We would like to believe that Matthew's letter had an effect on the Judge, because Will was shown Mercy. We Thank God for Answering Our Prayers. Matthew was very happy to go and support Will.

June 11, 2008

Matthew spent the day with mommy and daddy. He spent the afternoon lounging and resting up for his big day tomorrow. Please join Matthew at the Lake Jackson Fire House to help support the enormous efforts put forth by all the Volunteers who have given of their time and hearts to help in Matthew's fight. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Cathy and Chief Davis for organizing this wonderful event. We could never truly express how truly grateful we are for your love and support.

July 10,2008

Matthew spent the day at Children's Hospital today. Doctors are very pleased with his weight gain and progress. Doctors say that Matthew's breathing is OK, his breaths are simply shorter and more consecutive; but Oxygen intake levels are sufficient. Overall we are very happy with today's news. Matthew is looking forward to The fundraiser being held on Saturday at Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department from 3-7. He hopes to see everyone there!!!

July 8, 2008

Matthew spent the day with grandma, visiting Wal-Mart and his favorite place to eat Country Cookin. As usual Matthew ate all in sight! Matthew continues having trouble with shortness of breath but is working through it by slowing himself down a little. He is being forced to rest more throughout the day in order to keep from over exalting himself. Matthew spent the evening watching movies and hanging with family.

July 7, 2008

Matthew continued having a little shortness of breath this morning but returned to feeling well and insisted on keeping his original itinerary of visiting Chuck-e-cheese as planned. Matthew spent the day playing games at Chuck-e-cheese. After playing carnival games on his Wii, he felt he was ready to toss the ball in real life. Matthew struggled to throw the ball as his arms remain very shaky and unstable; however, Matthew continued to try and refused to go down without a fight.

June 6, 2008

Matthew spent the morning at Church enjoying the powerful message, music and of course his bagel. Matthew returned home and spent the entire afternoon lounging and hanging out with daddy and uncle Mark. Matthew began to feel a little shortness of breath toward the ladder part of the evening but seemed to feel well before bed.

June 5, 2008

Matthew spent the morning eating everything in sight and planned an eventful afternoon to the movies. Matthew enjoyed the movie and drinking Pepsi. After dinning at Casa Chimayo he returned home to watch more movies and eat CORN DOGS. Matthew is doing well keeping up his food intake to continue gaining weight. Matthew looks forward to attending church tomorrow and singing worship songs.

June 4 Happy 4th of July

Matthew spent the day trying to avoid the rain. Great Meadows didn't turn out so GREAT, the rain was to much to bear and we returned home to enjoy fireworks on TV. Matthew was very excited when he weighed in at 63 Pounds, he has almost reached the weight prior to him becoming ill, YEAH MATTHEW !!

July 3, 2008

Matthew spent the morning hanging out with grandma eating CORN DOGS for breakfast. He enjoyed the breeze of the morning while sitting on the patio. Matthew spent the afternoon at Fairfax Corner where he watched Hancock. He ate everything in sight and unfortunately vomited, due to over eating! Matthew enjoyed the movie and immediately made plans to visit the carousel upon returning to Warrenton. Matthew ate a Small chocolate dipped cone, YUM YUM!
Matthew is looking forward to celebrating the fourth of July with the family. Thanks to our Angel John, we will be enjoying A taste of the 4Th, an all out BBQ dinner all the way from Dallas Texas Smokey Bryan's. Thanks for always thinking of us, we love you!
The Costis family and Crew!!!

July 2, 2008

Matthew enjoyed a day with his Best Friend Matthew and his cousin Christopher. A visit to the carousel for a Medium Cone really hit the spot. After hanging out for a couple hours Matthew took time to rest and spent the afternoon sitting on the porch enjoying the weather. He walk on the treadmill for 10 minutes and pushed very hard to strengthen his legs. Matthew is feeling great and eating all that he can. He is enjoying these summer days and visiting with friends and family.

July 1, 2008

Matthew spent the day at Shenandoah National Park with the family, he enjoyed a picnic with all his favorite foods and lounged on his portable hammock. Daddy carried him to the top of the rock where he was able to overlook the mountain. Matthew really enjoyed this trip to the mountain as he was able to go without the wheelchair. He is getting around a lot better lately and is working very hard to build his mobility. The WII bowling, golf, and baseball has really been helping with that. We are so grateful to god everyday for Matthew's progress and are truly greatly for the continued prayers, love and support!

June 27 (MRI RESULTS)

After a few days of long awaited results, Matthew's MRI came back with positive news. Upon Arrival to Children's on Wen., we received serious concern about Matthew's leg and arm bruising. Dr.Packard requested an immediate MRI and refused to continue Chemo treatment until the results were in. After the agonizing wait over night, we received news today that Matthew's MRI results were better than expected. It not only ruled out any new activity in the brain but also appeared that the tumors had reduced in size. (WONDERFUL NEWS)! We Praise god for such a miracle, though Matthew still has a long fight ahead, we know that with Jesus in front and us behind him we will not loose. Matthew was very excited to received a song especially written for him and about him by the Songs of Love Foundation. He truly has become a super star and better than that, A true testament of god's sweet grace!

June 24,2008

He did it!!! He made 60 Pounds today!!! WAY TO GO MATTHEW!!!!

Matthew was very excited when he weighed in at 60 pounds. Today he spent the day at Rady Park with the family, he enjoyed a ride on the wagon and a picnic at the park. He then requested to go to the carousel, where he ate not one, but two Ice Cream cones and loved every minute of them. Matthew was happy to see his friend Sadona at the carousel. Matthew returned home to enjoy some time on the patio, while working on his photo album. Matthew is scheduled to see his cardiologist at Children's Hospital tomorrow as his heart has been experiencing a little faster heart beat. Matthew isn't excited about the appointment, but is surely eager to get it over with. Matthew will also have to return to Children's on Thursday for his weekly visit. Lots of undesired travel to the hospital, but Matthew Just Deals With It.

Matthew's Quote:" I need to get more music that I can honor the lord with, I need to start to honor the lord when I sing a little bit more, I don't have music on my I-POD that honors the lord, but I need to get some", as he sang his heart out to Chris Tomlin, "We stand and lift up our hands For the joy of the Lord is our strength, Holy is the Lord God almighty The earth is filled with his glory!!! "That's true Aunt Vanessa Jesus is my strength right"?

******SAVE THE DATE JULY 12******

Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department

Fundraiser Dinner for Matthew Costis

Saturday July 12Th, 2008

3-7 P.M.

Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Dept.

11310 Coles Drive

Manassas, VA 20112

Serving: Pig Roast, BBQ Chicken, Hot Dogs, Macaroni Salad, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans

Moon bounce, Cotton Candy, Activity Tables, etc.

Fun For All The Family

June 23 *****WOW 58 POUNDS*****

We have been very busy and Aunt Vanessa has been slacking on the blog updates, but Matthew wanted me to make sure to relay this message to everyone. He weighed in at 58 pounds and is determined to make 60 pounds by the end of the day! This is very good news for everyone as we have been working very hard to increase Matthew's weight. Matthew is still having trouble with his platelet levels being low and bruising in his legs and now slightly in his arms; however, he continues to fight hard and eat VERY WELL!!! We are convinced that if he continues eating at this rate he will be rolling around without his wheel chair(LOl). Matthew has been busy hanging out with his family and was able to go fishing yesterday. He was happy to be able to fish from his wheel chair. He was very excited to catch two fish!!!

June 19, 2008

Matthew spent the entire day at Children's Hospital today. Matthew was unable to get his Chemotherapy treatment due to his platelets levels being to low. He is still not low enough to receive a transfusion, but is to low to receive treatment. Doctors are hoping that Matthew's body will replenish in order for him to receive treatment next week. Matthew's nose bleeds have slowed down but the bruising on his legs continue. His spirits are high and he continues to fight. Matthew spent his late afternoon with Mom Mom and Pau pu at Tony's Pizza Yum Yum!! Matthew spent the rest of the evening hanging out with the family from Texas and his WII!

June 16, 2008

Matthew spent the entire day at Children's Hospital today. Doctor's were concerned that he may require a blood transfusion in order to replenish the drop in platelets, fortunately Matthew wasn't in need of a transfusion! His body is doing a good job of replenishing on it's own at this time and though they had dropped severely causing the nose bleeds and the bruising on his legs, his body is attempting fix it's self. Just another indication of Matthew's strength. Before going to the hospital Matthew declared that he would be fine because the lord was doing great things for him.

Matthew's Quote:"I feel great, Thank the Lord" with his hands thrown in the air, "because Jesus is doing great things for me"!

June 15, 2008

Matthew spent his Father's day morning at church and spent the afternoon grilling and on the patio in order to celebrate Father's day and uncles Bert's birthday. Unfortunately Matthew has been suffering from nose bleeds, but has been doing great with keeping food down. A new drug has enabled him to reduce the amount of times he's vomiting in a day. Matthew is truly enjoying having all his family here from Texas and is especially glad to be able to have uncle Bert here to celebrate his birthday.

June 14, 2008

Matthew spent the morning at the Rady Park enjoying the beautiful sunlight. As he was being wheeled around the trial, a gust of wind came rushing in, colling things down and forcing everyone to head for the vehicles. We returned home so Matthew could rest and prepare for a birthday party he was to attend later that evening. Matthew was only able to attend the party for a short time. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in the moon bounce activities. He later accompanied mommy, daddy, uncle Bert, sister Kaitlyn, and cousin Jonathan to the movies to watch The Incredible Hulk. Matthew enjoyed the movie and liked that there was a new Hulk in town who was evil and the real Hulk punched him. Matthew was happy to see Mom Mom and Pau pu at Jimmy's Party yesterday.

Matthew is very excited that an article will be printed in tomorrows Potomac News/Journal Messenger paper.

June 13, 2008

Matthew spent the morning hanging out with cousin Christopher watching cartoons. He then went to run errands with mommy, daddy, uncle Bert, Kaitlyn and Jonathan. He spent the afternoon visiting with Mom Mom and Pau pu and prepared to go to the Outdoor Movie at Harris Pavilion in Manassas sponsored by the Quest Church block party committee. He spent a wonderful evening enjoying the Ratatouille Movie on the big blowup screen, free popcorn, the evening breeze and the company of family and friends. Matthew had to cut the evening short due to becoming ill and vomiting but really enjoyed the time he was able to spend out doors. Matthew returned home and spent the evening hanging with the boys.

June 12, 2008

Matthew spent the day hanging out with the family. He enjoyed an afternoon on the patio grilling burgers and tossing the football to Cousin Christopher. We were very happy to see him making the effort to throw that ball, though it didn't go far he was happy that he was able to throw it. YEAH MATTHEW!!! He watched an entertaining sword challenge between Dalanie, Kaitlyn and Christopher against Jonathan(Tag team and little ones won) Lol!! He spent the evening watching a Movie and enjoyed cheese balls. Though Matthew continues to vomit, he has been successful in keeping some of what he eats down, GREAT EFFORT buddy!!! We are happy to see Matthew's spirits are up and he is attempting to become more physically active, thanks to the encouragement of uncle Bert, Jonathan and Christoper. Nothing like a little bit of peer pressure to give a boost (Welcome to the boys room)!!!

June 11, 2008

Matthew spent the day with the family and was happy to visit the carousel to celebrate his sister Kaitlyn's final day of school. He then accompanied mom and dad to Kaitlyn's dance class. Upon returning home he was happy to receive news that the Fauquier H.S Bake Sale was a great success. Cathy brought Matthew a woad of money. Thanks again to all who made this event a success. Matthew was surprised to see "B" a good friend of the family was waiting to visit with him. He enjoyed an evening of laughing and hanging out. Matthew is getting a little cough and is still having a little trouble with the vomiting but is doing a great job of trying to keep things down. Smoothies are a boys best friend!

June 10, 2008

Matthew spent the day hanging out with family and playing with his cousins. He went out to the grocery store with the family. He was tired upon returning home. Matthew experienced a couple of nose bleeds today and is still having trouble with his vomiting, but is working very hard to keep food down. He spent the evening recovering from his busy day by sleeping. He awoke to watch late night movies with uncle Bert, Jonathan and the boys.
"SLUMBER PARTY"YEAH!!!(Lol)

June 9, 2008

Matthew spent the day visiting the staff and students at Fauquier High School who organized and made the Bake Sale benefiting Matthew a tremendous success. He again received the star treatment and received stuffed animal gifts, hugs and much support. He was amazed by Ms.Rose and her wonderful voice. He made many new friends. Matthew then went to visit Ms.Adele at the Country Cookin and received the "grandparent" treatment from Adele. He spent this day feeling loved and supported by many people and had a smile from ear to ear. After his exhausting day he returned home to spend the afternoon with Uncle Bert and Cousin Jonathan playing Wii and finally took a LONG nap. He still had trouble with his vomiting but continues to fight back by eating all he can. YEAH MATTHEW!!!

We would like to extend our gratitude Cathy, Rose and everyone at Fauquier High who made this Bake Sale a wonderful Success!

June 8, 2008

Matthew spent his morning in church enjoying the music. He spent his afternoon at the Kena Shriner's Temple in Fairfax at his Spaghetti Benefit Dinner organized by the Masonic Family. He was happy to visit with Mom Mom and Pa Pou and meet all of their wonderful friends. We was happy to see people purchasing his Matthewcostis.org T-shirts as it was his design. Due to his "Star Status" Matthew spent much of his taking photographs with all of his new friends. Matthew was very tired and was happy to return home to gain rest. Matthew continued to have trouble with the vomiting but will not allow feeling ill keep him from attempting to eat. Matthew was very happy that his Family from Texas was able to attend his benefit dinner event.

The Costis Family would like to extend their gratitude to all the many people who made this event a success.

June 7, 2008

Matthew spent his morning with volunteers from the Make-A-Wish foundation. Matthew now holds the task of deciding what very special wish he would like granted. He spent the remainder of the day playing PS3 and Wii with his cousins from Texas. He enjoyed a day of laughter and fun with everyone. Matthew continues to struggle with vomiting but is giving his stomach a real battle. He keeps in taking food even if it comes right back up, that's our little fighter. Matthew is excited about his benefit spaghetti dinner being held tomorrow at the Kena Shrine Temple in Fairfax. For more information on this benefit download the flyer from the Events tab on www.matthewcostis.org . Matthew hopes to see everyone there!

Photo Album Part 1 Much More To Come